In Shape for hunting?

[josh1976]

Ok.
I've quite smoking (2-weeks now), I bought an "elipticle" exerciser, and I'm eating right.

Here is why I'm changing my lifstyle....
I love to hunt and I love the outdoors!! Even more so, I love my family, and I have alot to live for.

This is why I'm motivated....
I've been working in an office now for too long. In 7-years, I have gone from 165 to 245 pounds!! Basicaly, I've had a wake up call (the call has been ringing for a while now). My severe lack of exercise has had a devistating effect on my ability to enjoy what I love and be motivated to influence my family.
I hunt all year for whatever is in season, and never really venture too far as I find myself quickly winded and sweating like I just got out of a swimming pool. Last month we went to cut wood at the camp and I friggn near went into cardiac arrest(so I thought), but a quick cigarette straightened me right out. When bow season opened, I put up a tree stand and damn near fell out of it trying to get into it. I probably looked like a fat bear standing on a volley-ball. I certainly felt that way. Actually, getting to my stand was an adventure all in it's own (6-7 times that week). I found myself so winded by the time I got there and into the stand, that I felt like having a sleep (and a smoke of coarse). If it was sub zero, I'd probably freeze stiff from all the sweat, and fall out. Shooting a bow was another thing. Of course I was practicing shooting angles, positions and draws. Again, in the back yard, I'm quite a pro. Those days in the tree, I'd rather watch most deer walk by because I didnt have any energy left....now that's sad, isn't it!!
On another ocation recently, I took my 8 year old on a squirrel hunt. I had an eye opener as we ventured a little further into the woods than I should have allowed. My boy was spry and full of energy. I was winded, tired and un-motivated. Basically, because of my lack of energy, I was unable to enjoy one of the truest and most sought after father-son moments that a man could ever be blessed with. I dragged my ass like a walruss!! I did manage to create a wonderfull memory for my boy though. He shot a mourning dove and a bull-frog. I made a quick fire beside the trail, breasted out the dove and skinned the frog legs, and we bent over a green sapling allowing the game to hang above the fire and roast. My son was pumped and will never forget that. (along with many other great times) I guess the problem is, I miss out a bit because everything is a friggn chore and I'm so un-fit. (and smoking)
Partrige hunting is another thing I love, (again alot of walking). last time I was out, I just went back to the camp and sat on my ass eating bear steaks and target shooting. Hey, that reminds me....here is another thing I am robbing myself of the full enjoyment on...target shooting. I love it, however, Walking back and forth 200 yrds kills me (good thing I have smokes to light up, when I get back to the fire line!!)
So basically, my ailment is simple...I've become a lazy, un-motivated, un-fit man who has robbed himself for years of being able to enjoy the simple things in life to the fullest.
I beleive a man is built for hard labour and needs to lead his family responsibly. This can only be maximized by being reasonably physicaly fit, which I'm sure also affects ones state of mind. A man should be able to chop wood all day, and fight a mountain lion successfuly if need be. I have certainly lost touch with the things I could once do and all men could do only a few decades ago.
I have become trapped in the modern day, fast food, fast lane, fast fail mentality. I am only thirty two!!
My conclusion is, I have way too many great things to live for and must avoid, at all costs an early heart attack which seems to be common today.
I must start enjoying the things and people I love, to the max...it could all go away so fast.
I'm still 245 after a week of 30mins/ eve elipticle, but I already feel better and my goal is to do some hard core hunting the 2nd week and not get tired.
Did I wait to the last minute? Did I start too late? Maybe...but as they say...It's never too late.

 

[sealhunter]

If you are serious, good for you. But let me tell you, it will be hard, very very hard. I was a runner and a bit into body building some MMA, and evrything outdoors.... I settled into a poor lifestyle of work and then lounging around...
Soon I was not able to fit into my jeans, shirts wouldn't button and I was always beat out, wake up still tired, etc etc.

I manged to smarten up again, and it was a long hard road, still is.

Good luck

 

[powdergun]

Good on you for starting to make changes. I was in the same boat a couple of years ago and I found some simple changes that worked and I've been good ever since. Eat right and keep active. Never and I mean never by fast food and processed crap. If you can stay away from it for a couple of months you'll find the thought of it turns your stomach. Every time you feel like you are sliding just look at pictures of your family and of good hunting trips.

Get rid of sugar and artificial sweeteners ( It really works ) no pop, candy baking or anything with added sugar. Enjoy good healthy food like your bear steaks in moderation. Snack through out the day with healthy choices to keep your blood sugar levels constant and you won't feel run down.

Go for brisk walk around you hunting areas. Scout and excersise all at once.
You will notice dramatic changes in everything. Do not do any of that fad diet crap.

Remember you are changing behaviour and that takes time and dilligence but once you can go a year at a solid weight and fitness level you will never look back.

Best of luck friend your family and friends will appreciate it. Its as much for them as it is for yourself.

PS: a trip to the doctor for a physical and some advice is a great place to start

 

[7mmlefty]

Have never been more inactive since I got my computer hooked up. Thank god I have friends to kick my but and get me out doors, I'm so addicted to this thing.
If it wasnt for the Harley, I prolly woudn't have gone outside all summer,except for work.

Far as being in shape?, never been better.
Lost around thirty pounds by eating right and drinking less beer(hardest part).